WENHAM: Jayne Sexton recalls panic after bombings

Jayne Osepchuk Sexton, 57, a native of Peabody who now lives in Wenham, was one of the last people to cross the Boston Marathon finish line on April 15 before the bombs went off. Now, 100 days since the bombings, the Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle caught up with Sexton to find out how her life has changed since that fateful day.

The Herald News, Fall River, MA

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Posted Jul. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 25, 2013 at 2:59 AM

Posted Jul. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 25, 2013 at 2:59 AM

Wenham

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Jayne Osepchuk Sexton, 57, a native of Peabody who now lives in Wenham, was one of the last people to cross the Boston Marathon finish line on April 15 before the bombs went off. Now, 100 days since the bombings, the Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle caught up with Sexton to find out how her life has changed since that fateful day.

Q: Describe the moment (and the next hour) you heard of the bombings that day?

A: Twenty-nine seconds after I crossed the finish line, the first bomb exploded. My feelings were elation, followed by sadness and loss. I knew that the Boston Marathon was forever changed. I feared for my family and friends. When I heard the second bomb explode, I felt increasing panic. I actually had trouble breathing. It took me a while to get my breathing under control. Within minutes, I found most of my family and was in contact with my fellow teammates.

Q: When thoughts of that day have come to mind over the last few months, what have they been for you?

A: I feel thankful that the people I love and I survived intact. I'm sad for the people who died and who were injured. I know that they are suffering each day as they try to rebuild their lives.

Q: Have you ran in any races since, and do you plan to run the 2014 Boston Marathon?

A: I've done a few races since April 15; most importantly The One Run For Boston. Hundreds of us ran the baton from the Newton City Hall to the Boston Marathon Finish line. It was the first coast-to-coast relay ever in this country. It was a beautiful and healing experience.

Yes I'm planning on running Boston in 2014. I feel a strong need to support Boston and the athleticism it stands for. My friend, Sandy Hession, died last week of pancreatic cancer. I ran Boston in her honor and I will do it again.

Q: If you could send a message to the suspected terrorists in this attack, what would it be?

A: My message to the marathon bomber: you are a stupid and evil man. You will reap your just rewards.